Maya Creek Ecovillage

Work Exchange for 2010

I'm looking for people to help out with natural building and permaculture projects this year. A work exchanger or "wexer" would differ from a regular visitor in that they would stay for at least a week if not more. This allows for someone to become more familiar with the particular projects and will need less supervision. Work exchangers should be eager to learn, have a strong work ethic, be independant, and enjoy camping.

The projects we would be working on would include, but not be limited to, earthen plastering, putting in an earthen floor, making papercrete, building a rocket stove and cob bench, building a screened-in porch using round-pole construction, planting fruit trees and native perennials, planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting the no-till companion-planted vegetable garden, making a small frog pond in the garden area, and making lots and lots of compost.

In exchange for their work I will provide wexers one of the three visitor tents which are on raised platforms, have extra tarp rain protection, and have real mattresses in them. These tents will be available to visitors if a wexer is not using them, but if it comes down to the two, wexers get priority. A composting toilet, showers, stove, fire pit, and screened-in picnic table area will also be available.

I will also make sure to take the time and explain anything they want to know about different aspects of sustainable living as well as I can. Work exchangers will be welcome to whatever is ready for harvest in the garden, and I will also provide some supplemental store-bought staple foods. They will be expected to help with cooking, cleaning, and other chores.

Wexers should still bring money for some food and whatever other expenses they might have while here. I recommend they also bring work gloves, galoshes, an LED headlamp, insect repellant, rain jacket, and a good attitude. I have extras of some of those things so just ask if you don't have them already rather than buying new stuff.

I currently have limited power from modest solar and wind generation. There is plenty for charging batteries and cell phones and some limited laptop use as well.

Also, this is not a commune. While concepts such as "free love" are noble, they are ultimately complicated and often lead to interpersonal conflict and drama. The main reason for the success or failure of intentional communities rests in the quality of the interpersonal relationships and because Maya Creek is just forming it is more vulnerable than more established communities. So please keep this in mind before deciding to come here.

Apart from work, I expect to have a lot of fun as well. Most evenings I'd like to have a small fire, weather permitting, which is great for sitting around, talking, or sipping a cold micro-brew. I've also got a disc golf basket which I'd like to use to make a small 9-hole course near the campground. Occasional hikes through the woods and swims in the lake are also in the forecast.

The timeframe for wexers would be from the beginning of May through November. Before and after those times the weather makes camping uncomfortable. Because wexers would be spending an extended amount of time with me I'd like to know about who you are in order to make sure I think we'd get along. So please e-mail me and tell me who you are, why you want to come out, what you hope to get out of it, and when you'd want to come.

I look forward to hearing from you!